Chatham County manager suspended by chairman. Here's what we know so far

Chatham County Manager Lee Smith was suspended because of an unknown investigation, according to records acquired by Savannah Morning News.

In a letter hand-delivered to Smith from Chatham Commission Chairman Chester Ellis, dated July 19, and delivered on July 21, Ellis tells Smith he is being investigated due to an unspecified "recent chain of events."

"Due to the recent chain of events, I find it necessary to begin an investigation into leadership activities which may negatively impact the Chatham County," Ellis' letter read.

SMN Smith Letter of Suspension by savannahnow.com on Scribd

Multiple phone calls to Ellis since last week seeking clarification for the manager's suspension had not been returned as of Wednesday.

In the letter, Ellis goes on to tell Lee he is suspended with pay, and that he cannot speak on behalf of Chatham County during the suspension.

Assistant County Manager Michael Kaigler will serve as acting county manager, according to inter-office correspondence between Ellis and County Commissioners, also acquired through FOIA request.

Designation of Acting Co_001 by savannahnow.com on Scribd

Since Smith's suspension was first reported on Friday, June 22, two of Savannah Morning News' three Freedom of Information Act requests for Smith's personnel file, communications and other documents were denied by the county.

"The documents you have requested are currently part of an investigation and are unable to be reproduced until an action has been decided," an email from Chatham County Attorney Jonathan Hart read in part.

Previous reporting

Chatham County Manager Lee Smith has been placed on paid leave by County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis, according to District 6 commissioner Aaron "Adot" Whitely.

Whitely said he didn't know why Smith was placed on paid leave, but said "I stand by the chairman’s decision and trust his judgment in this matter."

Ellis and most of the other county commissioners are attending the National Association of Counties conference this week in Adams County, Colorado. Multiple phone calls to Ellis for comment were not returned.

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Whitely said the Chatham Commission had not yet had time to discuss the matter, and at least two members said they were unaware of Smith's suspension.

Smith could not be reached for comment. He was not in his office on Friday, according to an administrative assistant.

Smith's suspension comes during a week marked by a testy negotiating session for the Local Option Sales Tax, a 1% sales tax levied on goods and services purchased in the county. The session ended at an impasse, with the county and the leaders of its eight municipal governments far apart on how LOST should be divided.

LOST revenue provides approximately $100 million a year for local governments, funds used to offset property taxes.

Smith has been the county manager since May 2014. Smith was hired by the county in 2014 following the retirement of longtime County Manager Russ Abolt. Abolt stayed on as a paid consultant for several months.

Smith's suspension is with pay. Smith is the second highest paid county employee, with an annual salary of $235,100. Chatham County Attorney Jonathan Hart is the highest paid at $265,320.

Smith is a North Carolina native and previously worked as manager for Wayne County, N.C.

It is unclear if Ellis intends to dismiss Smith from his position, but it would take a full commission vote for that to happen.

Chatham County code requires a two-thirds vote - six of the nine members - to remove a county manager from office, but they must adopt a preliminary resolution stating the reasons for removal. This preliminary resolution must also pass by more than two-thirds vote.

The county manager may request a public hearing within 10 days.

This is a developing story. Check back to savannahnow.com for updates.

Will Peebles is the enterprise reporter for Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at wpeebles@gannett.com and @willpeeblessmn on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County manager Lee Smith placed on paid leave